Blanket of fog disrupt flight operations in Lahore, Karachi

LAHORE: Dense clouds of fog badly disturbed air and land travel in the country particularly Punjab, with dozens of flights being cancelled, delayed or diverted to other cities at Allama Iqbal International Airport and even at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

Karachi struggled to breathe and see under heavy fog early on Thursday which affected smooth traffic flow near the University Road, neighbourhoods near the airport and Malir.

The airport authorities in Lahore and Karachi had to make changes in their local and international flight schedules due to persistent fog.

Parts of Lahore witnessed varying levels of visibility according to the density of fog. Visibility near Allama Iqbal International Airport dropped to 50 metres following which more than 20 local and international flights schedules were adjusted.

Fog continues to cover the entire walled city and major parts of Punjab on Thursday disrupting normal life activities of people and motorways being closed.

Visibility at motorway near Kot Momin went down to zero forcing a road accident that injured at least eight people.

Motorway Police warned the civilians across Punjab to avoid unnecessary travel and must use fog lights to stay away from any untoward incidents.

It was hard for drivers to pass through the national highway, superhighway and motorway after visibility level dropped to zero near Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal and adjoining areas.